Orthosis with distraction through range of motion

An orthosis movable between first and second conditions for moving a joint which is located between first and second relatively movable body portions, comprising:

• a first cuff arm, and a first cuff on said first cuff arm for connecting said first cuff arm to the first body portion;
• a second cuff arm movably connected to said first cuff arm, and a second cuff on said second cuff arm for connecting said second cuff arm to the second body portion;
• means for moving said first cuff arm relative to said second cuff arm to move the joint, comprising drive means for receiving force applied to said orthosis and for transmitting the applied force to said first and second cuff arms to thereby move said first cuff arm relative to said second cuff arm, said drive means including means for providing a mechanical advantage by transmitting an increased force to said first and second cuff arms;
• and
• means for counteracting compressive or distractive forces in the joint during movement of the joint by said orthosis, said means for counteracting comprising means for effecting movement of said first cuff along said first cuff arm in a predetermined direction which is a function of the direction of movement of the joint during relative movement between said first and second cuff arms.

An orthosis for stretching tissue around a joint between first and second relatively pivotable body portions, comprising:

• a first cuff arm, and a first cuff on said first cuff arm for connecting said first cuff arm to the first body portion;
• a second cuff arm movably connected to said first cuff arm, and a second cuff on said second cuff arm for connecting said second cuff arm to the second body portion;
• means for moving said first cuff arm relative to said second cuff arm to move the joint;
• and
• means for counteracting compressive or distractive forces in the joint during movement of the joint by said orthosis, said means for counteracting comprising means for driving said first cuff for movement along said first cuff arm in a predetermined direction which is a function of the direction of movement of the joint during relative movement between said first and second cuff arms;
• said means for moving said first cuff arm relative to said second cuff arm being selectively operable to provide incremental movement of said first cuff arm relative to said second cuff arm between a plurality of positions and to lock said arms at said positions.

An orthosis movable between first and second conditions for moving a joint which is located between first and second relatively movable body portions, comprising:

• a first cuff arm;
• a second cuff arm movably connected to said first cuff arm;
• a first cuff on said first cuff arm for connecting said first cuff arm to the first body portion;
• a second cuff on said second cuff arm for connecting said second cuff arm to the second body portion;
• means for moving said first cuff arm relative to said second cuff arm about an axis intermediate said first and second cuffs to move the joint, including a manually actuatable member for receiving force to drive said orthosis and a motor for generating force to drive said orthosis;
• and
• means for counteracting compressive or distractive forces in the joint during movement of the joint by said orthosis, said means for counteracting comprising means for allowing movement of said first cuff along said first cuff arm in a predetermined direction which is a function of the direction of movement of the joint during relative movement between said first and second cuff arms.

A continuous passive motion system for moving a joint which is located between first and second relatively movable body portions, comprising:

• a first cuff arm, and a first cuff on said first cuff arm for connecting said first cuff arm to the first body portion;
• a second cuff arm movably connected to said first cuff arm, and a second cuff on said second cuff arm for connecting said second cuff arm to the second body portion;
• means for moving said first cuff arm relative to said second cuff arm about an axis intermediate said first and second cuffs;
• drive means for selectively moving said first and second cuff arms relative to each other to impart continuous passive motion to the first and second body portions;
• and
• means for counteracting compressive or distractive forces in the joint during movement of the joint by said orthosis, said means for counteracting comprising means for effecting movement of said first cuff along said first cuff arm in a predetermined direction which is a function of the direction of movement of the joint during relative movement between said first and second cuff arms.

An orthosis for a joint between first and second relatively movable body portions, comprising:

• a first cuff arm;
• a second cuff arm movably connected to said first cuff arm;
• means for moving said first cuff arm relative to said second cuff arm about an axis intermediate said first and second cuffs;
• a first cuff on said first cuff arm for connecting said first cuff arm to the first body portion;
• a second cuff on said second cuff arm for connecting said second cuff arm to the second body portion;
• and
• means for counteracting compressive or distractive forces in the joint during movement of the joint by said orthosis, said means for counteracting comprising means for effecting movement of said first cuff along said first cuff arm and for effecting movement of said second cuff along said second cuff arm each in a predetermined direction which is a function of the direction of movement of the joint during relative movement between said first and second cuff arms.

An orthosis for a joint between first and second relatively movable body portions, comprising:

• a first cuff arm, and a first cuff on said first cuff arm for connecting said first cuff arm to the first body portion;
• a second cuff arm movably connected to said first cuff arm, and a second cuff on said second cuff arm for connecting said second cuff arm to the second body portion;
• means for moving said first cuff arm relative to said second cuff arm;
• means for counteracting compressive or distractive forces in the joint during movement of the joint by said orthosis, said means for counteracting comprising means for effecting movement of said first cuff along said first cuff arm and of said second cuff along said second arm in predetermined directions which are a function of the direction of movement of the joint during relative movement between said first and second cuff arms;
• and
• means for limiting the amount of force applied to said first and second cuffs during relative movement between said first and second arms.

An orthosis for a joint between first and second relatively movable body portions, comprising:

• a first cuff arm, and a first cuff on said first cuff arm for connecting said first cuff arm to the first body portion;
• a second cuff arm movably connected to said first cuff arm, and a second cuff on said second cuff arm for connecting said second cuff arm to the second body portion;
• means for moving said first cuff arm relative to said second cuff arm;
• means for counteracting compressive or distractive forces in the joint during movement of the joint by said orthosis, said means for counteracting comprising means for effecting movement of said first cuff along said first cuff arm and of said second cuff along said second arm in predetermined directions which are a function of the direction of movement of the joint during relative movement between said first and second cuff arms;
• and
• means for monitoring the angle between said first and second arms during relative movement between said first and second arms.

An orthosis for stretching tissue around a joint between first and second relatively pivotable body portions, the joint and the first and second body portions defining on one side of the joint an inner sector which decreases in angle as the joint is flexed and defining on the opposite side of the joint an outer sector which decreases in angle as the joint is extended, comprising:

• a first cuff arm, and a first cuff on said first cuff arm for connecting said first cuff arm to the first body portion;
• a second cuff arm movably connected to said first cuff arm, and a second cuff on said second cuff arm for connecting said second cuff arm to the second body portion;
• means for moving said first cuff arm relative to said second cuff arm about a pivot axis;
• and
• means for counteracting compressive or distractive forces in the joint during movement of the joint by said orthosis, said means for counteracting comprising means for effecting movement of said first cuff along said first cuff arm and of said second cuff along said second arm in predetermined directions which are a function of the direction of movement of the joint during relative movement between said first and second cuff arms;
• and
• said pivot axis of said cuff arms being located in the outer sector to limit compressive forces on the joint upon relative pivoting movement of said first and second arms.

An orthosis movable between first and second conditions for moving a joint which is located between first and second relatively movable body portions, comprising:

• a first cuff arm, and a first cuff on said first cuff arm for connecting said first cuff arm to the first body portion;
• a second cuff arm movably connected to said first cuff arm, and a second cuff on said second cuff arm for connecting said second cuff arm to the second body portion;
• means for counteracting compressive or distractive forces in the joint during movement of the joint by said orthosis, said means for counteracting comprising means for effecting movement of said first cuff along said first cuff arm and of said second cuff along said second arm in predetermined directions which are a function of the direction of movement of the joint during relative movement between said first and second cuff arms;
• and
• means for moving said first cuff arm relative to said second cuff arm about an axis intermediate said first and second cuffs, including a manually actuatable member for receiving force to drive said orthosis and a motor for generating force to drive said orthosis.

A continuous passive motion system for moving a joint which is located between first and second relatively movable body portions, comprising:

• a first cuff arm, and a first cuff slidable on said first cuff arm for connecting said first cuff arm to the first body portion;
• a second cuff arm movably connected to said first cuff arm, and a second cuff slidable on said second cuff arm for connecting said second cuff arm to the second body portion;
• means for counteracting compressive or distractive forces in the joint during movement of the joint by said orthosis, said means for counteracting comprising means for effecting movement of said first cuff along said first cuff arm and of said second cuff along said second arm in predetermined directions which are a function of the direction of movement of the joint during relative movement between said first and second cuff arms;
• and
• drive means for selectively moving said first and second cuff arms relative to each other to impart continuous passive motion to the first and second body portions.

An orthosis for stretching tissue around a joint between first and second relatively pivotable body portions, comprising:

• a first cuff arm, and a first cuff on said first cuff arm for connecting said first cuff arm to the first body portion;
• a second cuff arm movably connected to said first cuff arm, and a second cuff on said second cuff arm for connecting said second cuff arm to the second body portion;
• means for moving said first cuff arm relative to said second cuff arm;
• means for counteracting compressive or distractive forces in the joint during movement of the joint by said orthosis, said means for counteracting comprising means for effecting movement of said first cuff along said first cuff arm and of said second cuff along said second arm in predetermined directions which are a function of the direction of movement of the joint during relative movement between said first and second cuff arms;
• and
• said means for moving said first cuff arm relative to said second cuff arm being selectively operable to provide incremental movement of said first cuff arm relative to said second cuff arm between a plurality of positions and to lock said arms at said positions.

Apparatus comprising an orthosis and a foot support,

• said orthosis being movable between first and second conditions for moving a joint which is located between first and second relatively movable body portions of a person, said orthosis including:
• a first arm, and first cuff means on said first arm for connecting said first arm to the first body portion,
• a second arm movably connected to said first arm, and second cuff means on said second arm for connecting said second arm to the second body portion,
• means for moving said first arm relative to said second arm about an axis intermediate said first and second cuff means, and
• means for counteracting compressive or distractive forces in the joint during movement of the joint by said orthosis, said means for counteracting comprising means for allowing movement of said first cuff arm along said first cuff arm in a predetermined direction which is a function of the direction of movement of the joint during relative movement between said first and second cuff arms,
• said foot support for supporting the foot of the person and including a foot rest and roller means attached to said foot rest for enabling rolling movement of said foot support along a surface under the person.

An orthosis movable between first and second conditions for moving a joint which is located between first and second relatively movable body portions, comprising:

• a first cuff arm, and a first cuff on said first cuff arm for connecting said first cuff arm to the first body portion;
• said first cuff including means for engaging a pin or K-wire projecting from a bone in the first body portion to apply force to said pin or K-wire to thereby move the first and second body portions relative to each other;
• a second cuff arm movably connected to said first cuff arm, and a second cuff on said second cuff arm for connecting said second cuff arm to the second body portion;
• means for moving said first cuff arm relative to said second cuff arm about an axis intermediate said first and second cuffs.

An orthosis for stretching tissue around a joint between first and second relatively pivotable body portions, comprising:

• a first cuff arm, and a first cuff on said first cuff arm for connecting said first cuff arm to the first body portion;
• a second cuff arm movably connected to said first cuff arm, and a second cuff on said second cuff arm for connecting said second cuff arm to the second body portion;
• means for counteracting compressive or distractive forces in the joint during movement of the joint by said orthosis, said means for counteracting comprising means for allowing movement of said first cuff along said first cuff arm in a predetermined direction which is a function of the direction of movement of the joint during relative movement between said first and second cuff arms, and
• variable ratio drive means for moving said first and second cuff arms relative to each other at a first rate when said first and second cuff arms are in a first relative position and for moving said first and second cuff arms relative to each other at a second rate when said first and second cuff arms are in a second relative position.

An orthosis movable between first and second conditions for moving a joint which is located between first and second relatively movable body portions, comprising:

• a first cuff arm;
• a second cuff arm movably connected to said first cuff arm;
• a first cuff on said first cuff arm for connecting said first cuff arm to the first body portion;
• a second cuff on said second cuff arm for connecting said second cuff arm to the second body portion;
• means for moving said first cuff arm relative to said second cuff arm about an axis intermediate said first and second cuffs;
• and
• means for moving said first cuff along said first cuff arm upon relative movement between said first and second cuff arms, comprising means for moving said first cuff along said first cuff arm in a first direction upon movement of said orthosis from said first condition to said second condition and in a second direction upon movement of said orthosis from said second condition to said first condition.

An orthosis movable between first and second conditions for moving a joint which is located between first and second relatively movable body portions, comprising:

• a first cuff arm;
• a second cuff arm movably connected to said first cuff arm;
• a first cuff on said first cuff arm for connecting said first cuff arm to the first body portion;
• a second cuff on said second cuff arm for connecting said second cuff arm to the second body portion;
• means for moving said first cuff arm relative to said second cuff arm about an axis intermediate said first and second cuffs;
• and
• means for moving said first cuff along said first cuff arm upon relative movement between said first and second cuff arms, comprising means for moving said first cuff on said first cuff arm away from said axis upon flexion of the joint.

An orthosis movable between first and second conditions for moving a joint which is located between first and second relatively movable body portions, comprising:

• a first cuff arm;
• a second cuff arm movably connected to said first cuff arm;
• a first cuff on said first cuff arm for connecting said first cuff arm to the first body portion;
• a second cuff on said second cuff arm for connecting said second cuff arm to the second body portion;
• means for moving said first cuff arm relative to said second cuff arm about an axis intermediate said first and second cuffs;
• and
• means for moving said first cuff along said first cuff arm upon relative movement between said first and second cuff arms, comprising means for moving said first cuff on said first cuff arm toward said axis upon extension of the joint.

An orthosis movable between first and second conditions for moving a joint which is located between first and second relatively movable body portions, comprising:

• a first cuff arm;
• a second cuff arm movably connected to said first cuff arm;
• a first cuff on said first cuff arm for connecting said first cuff arm to the first body portion;
• a second cuff on said second cuff arm for connecting said second cuff arm to the second body portion;
• means for moving said first cuff arm relative to said second cuff arm about an axis intermediate said first and second cuffs;
• means for moving said first cuff along said first cuff arm upon relative movement between said first and second cuff arms;
• and
• means for engaging a pin or K-wire projecting from a bone in one of the first and second body portions to apply force to the pin or K-wire to thereby move the first and second body portions relative to each other.

An orthosis movable between first and second conditions for moving a joint which is located between first and second relatively movable body portions, the joint and the first and second body portions defining on one side of the joint an inner sector which decreases in angle as the joint is flexed and defining on the opposite side of the joint an outer sector which decreases in angle as the joint is extended, the first and second body portions each having respective outer sides and inner sides, said orthosis comprising:

• a first cuff arm extensible along the outer side of said first body portion;
• a first cuff on said first cuff arm for connecting said first cuff arm to the first body portion;
• a second cuff arm extensible along the outer side of said firt body portion;
• a connection portion interconnecting said first and second cuff arms for movement relative to each other;
• a second cuff on said second cuff arm for connecting said second cuff arm to the second body portion;
• means for moving said first cuff arm relative to said second cuff arm about an arm pivot axis extending through said connection portion at a location spaced from said first and second cuffs and in the outer sector when said orthosis is placed on the first and second body portion with said first cuff arm extending along the outer side of said first body portion and said second cuff arm extending along the outer side of said second body portion;
• and
• means for counteracting compressive or distractive forces in the joint during movement of the joint by said orthosis, said means for counteracting comprising means for moving said first cuff along said first cuff arm in a predetermined direction which is a function of the direction of movement of the joint during relative movement between said first and second cuff arms.

A continuous passive motion system for moving a joint which is located between first and second relatively movable body portions, comprising:

• a first cuff arm, and a first cuff on said first cuff arm for connecting said first cuff arm to the first body portion;
• a second cuff arm movably connected to said first cuff arm, and a second cuff on said second cuff arm for connecting said second cuff arm to the second body portion;
• means for moving said first cuff arm relative to said second cuff arm about an axis intermediate said first and second cuffs;
• and
• drive means for selectively moving said first and second cuff arms relative to each other to impart continuous passive motion to said first and second body portions including a tower and wherein said drive means derives a mechanical advantage from said tower.

An orthosis for a joint between first and second relatively movable body portions, comprising:

• a first cuff arm;
• a second cuff arm movable connected to said first cuff arm;
• means for moving said first cuff arm relative to said second cuff arm about an axis intermediate said first and second cuffs;
• and;
• a first cuff on said first cuff arm for connecting said first cuff arm to the first body portion;
• a second cuff on said second cuff arm for connecting said second cuff arm to the second body portion;
• and
• means for moving said first cuff along said first cuff arm and for moving said second cuff along said second cuff arm upon relative movement between said first and second cuff arms, comprising means for moving said first cuff along said first cuff arm in a first direction upon flexion of the joint and in a second direction opposite to the first direction upon extension of the joint, and means for moving said second cuff along said second cuff arm in a first direction upon flexion of the joint and in a second direction opposite to the first direction upon extension of the joint.

An orthosis for a joint between first and second relatively movable body portions, comprising:

• a first cuff arm;
• a second cuff arm movably connected to said first cuff arm;
• means for moving said first cuff arm relative to said second cuff arm about an axis intermediate said first and second cuffs;
• and;
• a first cuff on said first cuff arm for connecting said first cuff arm to the first body portion;
• a second cuff on said second cuff arm for connecting said second cuff arm to the second body portion;
• and
• means for moving said first cuff along said first cuff arm and for moving said second cuff along said second cuff arm upon relative movement between said first and second cuff arms, including means for moving said first and second cuffs away from said axis along said first and second cuff arms respectively, upon flexion of the joint.

An orthosis for a joint between first and second relatively movable body portions, comprising:

• a first cuff arm;
• a second cuff arm movably connected to said first cuff arm;
• means for moving said first cuff arm relative to said second cuff arm about an axis intermediate said first and second cuffs;
• and;
• a first cuff on said first cuff arm for connecting said first cuff arm to the first body portion;
• a second cuff on said second cuff arm for connecting said second cuff arm to the second body portion;
• and
• means for moving said first cuff along said first cuff arm and for moving said second cuff along said second cuff arm upon relative movement between said first and second cuff arms, including means for moving said first and second cuffs toward said axis along said first and second cuff arms respectively, upon extension of the joint.

An orthosis for a joint between first and second relatively movable body portions, comprising:

• a first cuff arm, and a first cuff on said first cuff arm for connecting said first cuff arm to the first body portion;
• a second cuff arm movably connected to said first cuff arm, and a second cuff on said second cuff arm for connecting said second cuff arm to the second body portion;
• means for moving said first cuff arm relative to said second cuff arm;
• means for moving said first cuff on said first cuff arm and for moving said second cuff on said second cuff arm upon relative movement between said first and second cuff arms;
• means for limiting the amount of force applied to said first and second cuffs during relative movement between said first and second arms;
• and
• means for engaging a pin or K-wire projecting from a bone in one of the first and second body portions to apply force to said pin or K-wire to thereby move the first and second body portions relative to each other.

An orthosis for stretching tissue around a joint between first and second relatively pivotable body portions, comprising:

• a first cuff arm, and a first cuff on said first cuff arm for connecting said first cuff arm to the first body portion;
• a second cuff arm movably connected to said first cuff arm, and a second cuff on said second cuff arm for connecting said second cuff arm to the second body portion;
• means for moving said first cuff on said first cuff arm upon relative movement between said first and second cuff arms;
• and
• variable ratio drive means for moving said first and second cuff arms relative to each other at a first rate when said first and second cuff arms are in a first relative position and for moving said first and second cuff arms relative to each other at a second rate when said first and second cuff arms are in a second relative position;
• variable ratio drive means for moving said first cuff arm relative to said second cuff arm by varying amounts at different relative positions of said first and second cuff arms;
• wherein said variable ratio drive means includes a variable pitch lead screw.

An apparatus for effecting relative movement between first and second body portions interconnected by a joint, said apparatus comprising:

• a first cuff arm;
• first cuff means for connecting said first cuff arm with the first body portion, said first cuff means being movable along said first cuff arm;
• a second cuff arm;
• second cuff means for connecting said second cuff arm with the second body portion;
• means for interconnecting said first and second cuff arms and for enabling said first cuff arm to move relative to said second cuff arm;
• first force transmitting means connected with said first cuff means;
• and
• drive means connected with at least one of said cuff arms and said first force transmitting means for moving said first force transmitting means to move said first cuff arm relative to said second cuff arm and to simultaneously therewith move said first cuff means along said first cuff arm.

An apparatus effecting relative movement between first and second body portions interconnected by a joint, said apparatus comprising:

• a first cuff arm;
• first cuff means for connecting said first cuff arm with the first body portion, said first cuff means being movable along said first cuff arm;
• a second cuff arm;
• second cuff means for connecting said second cuff arm with the second body portion, said second cuff means being movable along said second cuff arm;
• means for interconnecting said first and second cuff arms and for enabling said first and second cuff arms to move relative to each other;
• drive means connected with at least one of said cuff arms;
• a first lever having a first end portion connected with said drive means and a second end portion connected with said first cuff means, said first lever being connected with said first cuff arm at a location between said first and second end portions of said first lever;
• and
• a second lever having a first end portion connected with said drive means and a second end portion connected with said second cuff means, said second lever being connected with said second cuff arm at a location between said first and second end portions of said second lever;
• said drive means being operable to move said first end portions of said first and second levers toward and away from the joint to move said first and second cuff arms relative to each other, to move said first cuff means relative to said first cuff arm, and to move said second cuff means relative to said second cuff arm.